Nyctinomops laticaudatus
broad-eared bat
(Also: Espirito Santo free-tailed bat)

Broad-eared bats are found in tropical and subtropical Central and South America. They occur at elevations up to 1700 m, but are most often found at elevations less than 500 m. The species ranges as far north as northern Mexico and south to central South America. (Avila-Flores, et al., 2002)

Broad-eared bats roost and forage in several different habitats. They can be found in tropical evergreen forests, deciduous forest, subtropical moist forests, thorn forests with mangrove and coconut trees, cloud forests, and swampy chacoan vegetaion. These bats are also found roosting in crevices in man-made structures, between rocks and in cracks on rocky cliffs. In northeast Mexico, they have been found roosting in caves. (Avila-Flores, et al., 2002)

Broad-eared bats are smaller than Nyctinomops aurispinosis and N yctinomops macrotis and have a relatively smaller braincase. Their coloration is generally brown on top and paler beneath. The wing membranes have no hair and are semitransparent. (Avila-Flores, et al., 2002)

The upper lip of broad-eared bats is wrinkled and turned up. The nostrils are raised on small tubes backed by a hard ridge. These bats have prolonged and delicate mandibles. Individuals of the northern subspecies are larger than those from the southern part of the range. (Avila-Flores, et al., 2002)

Individuals measure 88 to 141 mm in total length, of which, between 34 and 57 mm is contributed by the tail.

The mating system of these animals has not been reported.

Broad-eared bats breed during the rainy season, which varies by location. Each female will come into estrous only once a year, and usually has only one young. Parturition is synchronous. The young are able to open their eyes, lift their ears and move over flat surfaces a few hours after birth. (Avila-Flores, et al., 2002)

Details on the parental care of this species are not available. However, it is likely that the female performs most of the parental care, as she nurses the offspring.

No data available

Little is known about these animals. Broad-eared bats may form resident colonies, but phylopatry is very low. The genus is not reported to be very gregarious. (Avila-Flores, et al., 2002; Nowak, 1997)

The size of the home range of these animals is not known.

Broad-eared bats have been heard making audible chirps, but no data was collected regarding the use or meaning of the chirps. (Avila-Flores, et al., 2002)

As mammals, it is likely that these bats use visual, chemical and tactile communication, especialy when in the roost.

Broad-eared bats primarily eat coleopterans taken in flight, but also feed on lepidopterans. (Avila-Flores, et al., 2002)

Broad-eared bats are preyed upon by barn owls (Tyto alba), Stygian owls (Asio stygius), snakes and sparrow hawks. (Avila-Flores, et al., 2002)

Broad-eared bats feed on numerous insect species and are food for at least two species of owls. This being the case, these bats are probably very important in structuring local insect populations. Their use as prey by owls, hawks, and snakes means they could have a positive impact on populations of those animals. (Avila-Flores, et al., 2002)

There is no information available on the possible economic importance of these animals to humans.

Broad-eared bats may carry rabies. (Nowak, 1997)

Broad-eared bats are rare or uncommon throughout their range, except in the Yucatan Peninsula. They are not listed afforded any special protection under CITES or IUCN. (Avila-Flores, et al., 2002; "IUCN", 2002; "CITES", 2002)

Their are five subspecies of broad-eared bats: Nyctinomops laticaudatus europs, N. l. ferrugineus, N. l. laticaudatus, N. l. macarensis and N. l. yucatanicus. (Avila-Flores, et al., 2002)

Nowak (1999) reports that there is still some confusion on the nomenclature related to this species. In times past, it was called Tadarida espiritosantensis. However, most people now recognize this name as synonomys with N. laticaudatus. Still, because of this confusion organizations like IUCN may have this species classified under a different species name. (Nowak, 1999)